Everybody Knows

Leonard Cohen and Sharon Robinson’s “Everybody Knows” is the central anthem for this post because I chose this story to talk about Brazil election system.

My dear Mom loves Leonard Cohen because of Hallelujah and without doubt he’s one of the greatest Canadian artists of all time, for more than just these two songs but I am using “Everybody knows” to make a point.

“Everybody knows that the dice are loaded” and “Everybody knows that the good guys lost”, “Everybody Knows”

Leonard Cohen

The backstory to this famous song is very mixed with both conspiracy, marketing and myth. Origin of lyrics may vary depending on who you ask but the 1988 date is agreed.

Everybody knows that the dice are loaded
Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
Everybody knows the war is over
Everybody knows the good guys lost
Everybody knows the fight was fixed
The poor stay poor, the rich get rich
That’s how it goes
Everybody knows

Everybody knows that the boat is leaking
Everybody knows that the captain lied
Everybody got this broken feeling
Like their father or their dog just died
Everybody talking to their pockets
Everybody wants a box of chocolates
And a long-stem rose
Everybody knows

Everybody knows that you love me, baby
Everybody knows that you really do
Everybody knows that you’ve been faithful
Ah, give or take a night or two
Everybody knows you’ve been discreet
But there were so many people you just had to meet
Without your clothes
And everybody knows

Everybody knows
Everybody knows
That’s how it goes
Everybody knows

Everybody knows
Everybody knows
That’s how it goes
Everybody knows

And everybody knows that it’s now or never
Everybody knows that it’s me or you
And everybody knows that you live forever
Ah, when you’ve done a line or two
Everybody knows the deal is rotten
Old Black Joe’s still picking cotton
For your ribbons and bows
And everybody knows

And everybody knows that the plague is coming
Everybody knows that it’s moving fast
Everybody knows that the naked man and woman
Are just a shining artifact of the past
Everybody knows the scene is dead
But there’s gonna be a meter on your bed
That will disclose
What everybody knows

And everybody knows that you’re in trouble
Everybody knows what you’ve been through
From the bloody cross on top of Calvary
And to the beach of Malibu
Everybody knows it’s coming apart
Take one last look at this Sacred Heart
Before it blows
And everybody knows

Everybody knows
Everybody knows
That’s how it goes
Everybody knows

Everybody knows
Everybody knows
That’s how it goes
Oh, everybody knows

Everybody knows
Everybody knows
That’s how it goes
Everybody knows

Everybody knows
Everybody knows

Written by Leonard Cohen, Sharon Robinson Produced by Leonard Cohen Key C# minor Tempo 104 BPM

God loves us and Brazil is proof. However, if evil people can steal Brazil elections and nobody cares, then we need a new script.

Truth is… everybody cares about Brazil and what has happened is what the song is about. For a very long time, elections systems have been fixed and everybody knows.